“I Wish My Husband Would Quit Smoking Cigarettes!” a Guest Post

I appreciate a wife’s willingness to share her story of answered prayer with us. I pray it may be a blessing to those who are facing similar situations with a husband who may have an unhealthy habit. 

(NOTE – if you are dealing with a husband who has a mind-altering addiction to illegal drugs, prescription narcotics, or alcoholism  – those more serious issues may require a different approach at times, and possibly wise outside counsel as God leads. Of course, prayer should be our first method of approach with any destructive issue, even the really serious ones. May the Lord provide the resources each wife needs and the wisdom and discernment each one needs in her specific situation.)

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My husband continued to smoke for five years after he was saved.

It was a huge struggle for me! I had built up much resentment in my heart towards my husband over it. I complained and nagged and fought with him constantly. I offered little compassion.

One day after service at church, I was complaining to another wife about the situation. I was shocked with her response! She very bluntly rebuked me and told me that it was most likely because of me that my husband was not able to lay it down. She asked me how it would work for me if that was how someone handled me with an addiction like that. She told me that I needed to stop criticizing him and keep quiet. She told me that what I needed to do was to quietly pray for him and allow God to work on his heart.

I did not expect this reaction but it was effective! I was super convicted! So, I repented to God but decided to not say anything to my husband yet about what was said to me. I started praying diligently.

Would you believe that only THREE days later, my husband came home from work and told me that he was going to stop smoking! He said he was driving down the street watching people standing outside their places of employment smoking their cigarettes but literally freezing in the bitter cold! (This happened during the time that businesses started banning smoking inside their buildings so people had to go outside to smoke.)

He told me with a very serious face that he was repulsed at how ridiculous those people looked and he thought to himself,

“That is me; I look like an idiot like all those people standing outside shivering just so I can have my cigarette. I don’t want to look like that, too!”

He told me how convicted he was and that he made the decision that no matter how hard it was, he was going to stop! I could not believe it! It was such a lesson to me!

I was amazed at how fast the Lord was able to work as soon as I decided to get out of the way and let God be God! My discouragement really was causing my husband to stay bound.

When he stopped hearing my voice, he was able to hear God’s.

It was a real struggle when he stopped, but he never picked it back up again – and that was many years ago… over 25. He was literally sick on the couch while he dealt with the withdrawals, but he refused to give in. I took care of him and was able to offer him the support and encouragement he really needed and he was victorious. 🙂

It definitely was a very fast turn around and I wouldn’t want to end up actually bringing discouragement to anyone if the Lord chooses to not work as quickly on their behalf.  He works the way He works and that is all up to Him! Sometimes God works quickly and sometimes He delays. He knows best. If He acts fast, praise him. If He takes some time, then praise Him for that too because his timing us ALWAYS perfect.

RELATED:

When I Shut Up, My Husband Heard God!

Portia’s Story – Winning Him without a Word

Influencing an Unbelieving Husband for Christ

Why Do I Have to Change First?

I Need to Change! I Can’t Go on Like This! – by a wife who can’t stop trying to control her husband

My Secret Idol – her husband’s salvation

I Felt My Husband Was Neglecting Me

Why Is the TV More Important to My Husband than I Am?

I Can’t Force My Personal Convictions on My Husband